Save-On-Foods grocery stores in Victoria

Victorians are cheap when it comes to entertainment. Symphony Splash is free and it draws massive crowds. I bet if it cost $5/person to attend, the numbers would drop significantly. For proof of this theory: the RBCM was bursting at the seams when it was free on Family Day. At the regular admission rates it is never all that busy (especially with locals). I do think there is a market for a higher-end grocer though.

The average car in Victoria is maybe 10 years old and an economy car like a Civic or Focus. Regularly you will see 20+ year old vehicles around town. As a type this at a downtown coffee shop, I see a Fiat 500, Chevrolet minivan, 1980 Toyota Tercel, early 90's F150, Prius and a newer Toyota Corolla. Not an expensive car to be seen.

That's a true comment about entertainment NP. My friends and colleagues will regularly spend hundreds or thousands of dollars going to places like Vancouver, Seattle and Vegas, but recommend going to an expensive place for drinks like Veneto and they give you a look.

Compared to the ratio of luxury cars in Vancouver and Seattle, no way Jose. Victoria has about 17 dodge Caravans for every BMW 5 series.

That's a true comment about entertainment NP. My friends and colleagues will regularly spend hundreds or thousands of dollars going to places like Vancouver, Seattle and Vegas, but recommend going to an expensive place for drinks like Veneto and they give you a look.

You're running with the wrong crowd, jonny!

Know it all.Citified.ca is Victoria's most comprehensive research resource for new-build homes and commercial spaces.

I checked out WFM when it opened near where I lived. Went in, walked around, and left. Never went back. Way too expensive for a family to shop there. For the single/couple back to nature granola types it would probably work, or the snooty label shopping type.

I have a feeling this is going to happen. WF is on record in the past as being interested in Victoria and since then the Competition Bureau has uncovered the silver platter revealing three of some of the most mouth-watering, long-term locations in the region. I suspect it will take time as WF probably wants one or more locations at fire-sale prices due to the forced sale.

Fairway, Country Grocer and Quality Foods are all on record as saying no to the locations.

Question is, is a single location on an island sustainable economically? Or will there have to be a minimum of two on the island to make warehousing and distribution economical?

"Beaver, ahoy!""The bridge is like a magnet, attracting both pedestrians and over 30,000 vehicles daily who enjoy the views of Victoria's harbour. The skyline may change, but "Big Blue" as some call it, will always be there."
-City of Victoria website, 2009

I'm wondering what the advantages are for a major supermarket to have a warehouse as opposed to having goods come straight off the barge onto the store shelves. Are there local suppliers that would be likely partners with Whole Foods?

"Beaver, ahoy!""The bridge is like a magnet, attracting both pedestrians and over 30,000 vehicles daily who enjoy the views of Victoria's harbour. The skyline may change, but "Big Blue" as some call it, will always be there."
-City of Victoria website, 2009